Vacation Time!!! We got up at 3am, drove 2 hours, took 2 flights, and landed in St Louis. Picked up a rental car, drove around St Louis, and then over to Nauvoo. And the girls were amazing!! I was so impressed with how they behaved. No one had a big meltdown. The only hiccup was the escalator at the airport. All of us had overfull hands, and Jane and Abby froze at the escalator. Jon had to drag a crying Jane onto it unwillingly. Then Abby just stood there blocking everyone else. She eventually got brave and stepped up....there was nothing we could do but laugh at that point. But after we ditched our luggage things went perfectly!
We took the girls to the St Louis temple to quickly show them where Mom and Dad got married. Approximately 13 years later, our little family isn't so little.
Then we drove by the arch so they could see it. We opted to not walk around since we were all so tired, but proof they saw it!
Then we made it to Nauvoo!! The Ruggle's Family met us there, and they kids jumped right back in like no time had past. I loved seeing our friends and my parents. For sure having more adults around helped a ton.
The family loved Nauvoo. The blacksmith shop was a big hit. Everyone got time to help. Excet for Emily--who opted to nap with Grandpa.
She also snoozed with Grandpa at the kid's show that afternoon. Abigail was called up on stage and they sang about how we love her just the way she was. She was so happy, just glowing!
On to a wagon ride. Emily wasn't the happiest camper...but we survived!
Later in the day, another wagon ride. The little 2 checked out! Along with Dad and Grandpa
Everyone was focused in on all the demonstrations. They ate it all up. Everything being taught, they just soaked it in. Especially Kate.
Grandpa showed the girls on pedigree charts their great-great-great-great grandma and how they were tied to Nauvoo. They all really listened and were interested. Such a good Grandpa. Then a picture with one of the original sunstones. I have always loved those stones!
We went to an outdoor performance, and Jane was infatuated with this bull. Too funny the things that kids are drawn to.
Nauvoo Temple. Always one of my favorites. The girls had a great time exploring it. Kate especially loved it-- she read the plaques, and requested individual pictures of places she especially liked.
My Great-Great-Great-Great Grandma's childhood cabin! It had 10 people living there. Super cool to see it restored.
Jane tuckered out!
Wishing in a well. And the girls making wishes with dandelions.
All of us with our prairie diamonds.
Right after our Nauvoo/Kansas Trip I headed off to Girls Camp. Mom came down and watched the girls for me so Jon could focus on work. It was a fun time, and I was welcomed home to a sweet note and flowers my kiddos helped make.
